Intense Rainfall and Snowfall Forecast for Western Himalayan Region and Northwest India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather advisory indicating an intense spell of rainfall and snowfall activity expected over the Western Himalayan Region from February 17th to 22nd, with peak activity forecasted on February 19th and 20th. Additionally, adjoining plains of northwest India are likely to experience this weather phenomenon from February 19th to 22nd.

Key Highlights:

• A fresh active Western Disturbance is expected to impact northwest India from February 17th onwards, leading to various weather conditions under its influence.
• The Western Himalayan Region, including Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, is anticipated to witness fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall/snowfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning from February 17th to 22nd.
• Heavy rainfall is predicted at isolated places over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad and Himachal Pradesh on February 18th and 20th, with Uttarakhand likely to experience heavy rainfall on February 20th.
• Very heavy rainfall/snowfall is expected at isolated places over the aforementioned regions on February 19th.
• Hailstorm activity is forecasted at isolated places over Jammu division on February 18th, over Himachal Pradesh on February 18th and 19th, and over Uttarakhand from February 18th to 20th.
• Scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall is anticipated over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, north Madhya Pradesh, and north Rajasthan during various periods between February 19th and 22nd.
• Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are likely over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh, and north Rajasthan from February 18th to 20th.
• Hailstorm activity may occur at isolated places over Punjab, Haryana, and West Uttar Pradesh from February 19th to 20th.
• Impacts of the anticipated weather include disruptions in electricity, landslides, road blockages, damage to structures, and potential injury from hail and strong winds.

Actions Suggested:

• Citizens are advised to stay indoors during adverse weather conditions and avoid travel if possible.
• Precautions such as unplugging electrical appliances, staying away from water bodies, and seeking safe shelters are recommended.
• Agricultural communities are advised to take protective measures for crops and livestock against potential damage from hail and strong winds.

This weather advisory aims to inform and prepare residents and authorities in the affected regions to mitigate risks associated with the forecasted weather conditions.

For more detailed information, residents are encouraged to refer to the IMD’s state-wise forecasts provided in the advisory.